For HashMap, would implementing hashCode() for the value help if I only search by key?

No, you only need to implement hashCode and equals for the key type If you're just storing it as a value, implementing those methods will make no difference (to performance or correctness).

No, you only need to implement hashCode and equals for the key type. If you're just storing it as a value, implementing those methods will make no difference (to performance or correctness).

I don't think you need to worry about implementing the 2 methods if you are jut using String as the key. You however need to override them both if you are planning to use Class A as the key.

You only need to support hashCode and equals for keys in a HashMap. Since the key is a string, and not an A, no need to implement those - they will not get used.

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